Kevin Curran has set out his plans to revive Zimbabwe's cricketing fortunes after being appointed as the national team's new coach.

He replaced West Indian Phil Simmons following two innings defeats in the home Test series against New Zealand.

"It's all very exciting for me, even though it will be a lot of hard work," said Curran.

"One day before long we shall be a force in world cricket. That, basically, is down to me."

Zimbabwe have been under-performing for a number of years, but went into a dramatic downward spiral last year when a dispute involving a number of white players led to them boycotting international cricket.

Some, including former captain Heath Streak, have now made their peace with national cricket officials but the team is still not competitive and some believe their Test status should be taken away.

Despite that, Curran believes the picture is not all doom and gloom.

"Schoolchildren are given coaching of a good standard by teachers, who regard sport as an integral part of education.

"I have been part of that culture from childhood. I know it, respect it, and all the players it has produced in 30 years."

He added: "I want all the team to improve rapidly by five per cent, let's say, because that will impact on the team as a whole.

"I am a team man, but also a really competitive person. I want that to rub off and I'm sure it will."

Curran, who spent much of his playing career in England, takes charge for the first time in the triangular one-day series, also involving New Zealand and India, which starts next week.